The True Measures of Courage and Distinction
No one except his family members may remember his name. Very sick and too weak to walk, he was brought to the hospital where he was to share a room with me. For ever, I will remember his face and his sacrifices on behalf of all of us. For about a month, I had the whole room to myself. I first frowned the idea of sharing with somebody older and sicker than I was. But this old man whom I have learned to admire through his stories of the Vietnam War gave me another reason to live. As he knew he was at his last stage of his cancer battle, he moved me forward. Up to this day, I can only salute the spirit of this courageous Japanese-American Vietnam Vet for opening a chapter of the American history to me.
Having met his spouse and children during their many visits and stays at the hospital, after my discharge from the hospital and complete, I managed to stay in touch with them. It was time for me to resume my traveling routine. In 1994, I had the opportunity to travel to the nation's capital for a week to attend a conference. Before leaving, I phoned one of his children to inform them of my plan to visit some of the monuments. He made sure to ask me to look for his father's name on the wall.
There is no doubt that the Vietnam Veteran Memorial known as The Wall is a remarkable monument. Every year, it attracts thousands of visitors including family members, friends, fellow soldiers and just cultural and historic tourists. Having been there on a few occasions, I can understand why it has this kind of magnetic draw. A lot of these visitors have realized, over the years after their return from Vietnam, the extent of the sacrifices these men and women consented. As a show of their appreciation, visitors leave all kinds of things at the memorial. You can find letters, poems, metals and any other invaluable memorabilia. On one occasion, I saw a tattooed, robust, leather-wearing guy whose external parts or physical appearance would threaten anybody come to the wall. He approached the wall quietly and seemed to go to a specific name. He touched it and shook his head. Then, tears were running down under his dark glasses. He did not want to make a fool of himself. He turned around and disappeared in the crowd. By then, I was about to turn to the other side to check out the Women's Memorial. The Vietnam Veteran's Memorial is one of the most important attractions in DC. It evokes serenity, reflections and meditation. This may be why that people visit it year around. At any time, you will find lots of students from all over the country and the world.
Located between the Lincoln Memorial and Korean Memorial
I have remained impressed and overwhelmed by its layout. As you walk down the sidewalk, the wall tends to become larger until you feel wrapped by its sheer size. The extent of our men's and women's sacrifices is an increasing reminder of the more than 58,000 names inscribed---all kinds of names from various ethnic, racial groups showing this country's diversity even in moments of death. If you have time, you can read Native American, Hispanic, French-sounding, English-sounding, Asian last names on the wall. The wall is also a testament to the diversity of this country. It's a testament to the values that we all cherish: Freedom, democracy, dedication and courage.
If you intend to go to Washington DC, make plans to drop by the Vietnam Memorial. It's truly worth visiting. It's a masterpiece built in 1982 and designed by a Yale student who won a contest. You will enjoy your time in the company of thousands of others who have been there before you.
I understand that the Vietnam War is a hotly debated historic event in this country. No matter what, the Wall reminds each of us that our men and women did shed their blood there to defend the principles of democracy and freedom. Many of you may have strong opinions about the war and many other accounts, feel free to sound off here. Give your feedback in the comment section.
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